Method and apparatus for displaying gaming content

ABSTRACT

A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/860,283, filed on Apr.10, 2013 which is a divisional of, claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/236,736, filed on Sep. 24, 2008,which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/975,313, filed on Sep. 26, 2007, the entire contentsof which are each incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the display of gaming output and moreparticularly displaying gaming output on a public display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa system for practicing one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa controller described herein.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa gaming device described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentdescribed herein.

FIG. 5 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a player database described herein.

FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a player control eligibility database described herein.

FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a player control eligibility database described herein.

FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a gaming content eligibility database described herein.

FIG. 9 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a database of public displays described herein.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentof a public display described herein.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentof a public display described herein.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentof a display device described herein.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a display device described herein.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a display device described herein.

FIG. 15 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a gaming device database described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described below in accordance with various exemplary and non-limitingembodiments, gaming content, such as from one or more gaming devices102, is combined with non-gaming media content for display on one ormore public displays 106.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a methodcomprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gamingdevice, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device,identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming mediacontent, and outputting the gaming content on the public display whereinthe gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming mediacontent.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising receiving an indication of atriggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming contentassociated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on whichis displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming contenton the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least aportion of the non-gaming media content.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising receiving anindication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining agaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a publicdisplay on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputtingthe gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming contentsupersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, amethod comprises receiving a request from a player to output gamingcontent on a public display wherein the request comprises a selection ofthe public display by the player, and determining to output the gamingcontent on the public display.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising receiving a request from aplayer to output gaming content on a public display wherein the requestcomprises a selection of the public display by the player, anddetermining to output the gaming content on the public display.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising receiving a requestfrom a player to output gaming content on a public display wherein therequest comprises a selection of the public display by the player, anddetermining to output the gaming content on the public display.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, amethod comprises determining a public display on which is displayed afirst video output, determining control of the public display by atleast one player of a gaming device, and displaying on the publicdisplay the first video output and a second video output associated withan output of the gaming device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising determining a public display onwhich is displayed a first video output, determining control of thepublic display by at least one player of a gaming device, and displayingon the public display the first video output and a second video outputassociated with an output of the gaming device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising determining a publicdisplay on which is displayed a first video output, determining controlof the public display by at least one player of a gaming device, anddisplaying on the public display the first video output and a secondvideo output associated with an output of the gaming device.

In accordance with at least one exemplary and non-limiting embodimentthere is provided a method of extending the display of gaming contentassociated with a first gaming device to one or more other devices, suchthat those not normally able to view the content may see it. Forexample, a winning outcome or near-winning outcome achieved by a firstplayer on a first wireless gaming device may be “duplicated” for publicpresentation on the television screen associated with the gaming sponsor(i.e. on a television screen in a casino's bar). There is furtherenabled one or more players using personal gaming devices to more easilyview gaming content on a larger public display. In some embodiments,gaming content, such as the occurrence of a bonus round, may displacesome or all of a television broadcast for a brief moment, with thebroadcast resuming in its entirety following the related gaming content.Sensitive, confidential or otherwise personal information associatedwith a player of a first gaming device (e.g. a wireless, handheld gamingdevice) may be redacted, blurred, deleted or otherwise modified so thatgaming content rendered on a public display is appropriate for publicviewing.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a player may berequired to qualify for control of a public display's output prior togaming content being output on the public display. Information such as aplayer's achieved outcomes, comp level status or win/loss total for agaming session are examples of eligibility factors that may be used toqualify a player to control of a public display's output. If a publicdisplay that a player wishes to control is already in use, a portion ofthe public display may be used to output the requested gaming content,with the remaining portion continuing to display the regularprogramming. Communication between a player device and a public displaymay take place over a casino communications network such as aserver-based gaming network, a cable television system featuring digital“set top boxes” as found in many resorts, and/or through a publiccommunications network.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, all players may beeligible to control a portion of a public display, however the actualcontrollable portion of the public display (or type of gaming contentthat may be output on the public display) may be determined based oninformation (e.g., player's status as a: hotel guest, comp programmember) relating to one or more players. For example, any player in acasino may be able to output a small representation of their gamingoutcomes in the corner of a public display or on a scrolling “ticker” atthe bottom of a public display screen, while a member of the casino'scomp program may be able to display a picture of himself, as well as hisgaming outcomes.

In yet another “real time magic moment” embodiment, players achievingcertain partial outcomes on a gaming device are permitted or required tohave certain gaming content displayed on a public display. For example,upon detecting that a player has received two “7's” on a slot machinegame or four cards to a royal flush in a video poker game, a casinocomputer (a server) may cause the broadcasting of the promising partialoutcome on a public display, the ultimate resolution of the partialoutcome, and/or a real time video feed of the player (taken through alens associated with the player's gaming device, security camera, or thelike). Thus, other casino patrons (e.g. at a bar area; at a bank of slotmachines) can readily see other players, in real time, win or lose andsee the players' reactions (smiling, cheering, etc.). The excitementgenerated may cause the non-gambling viewers of the excitement to feelthat they are missing out on the action, and commence profitablegambling activity. In this manner, there is facilitated for individualplayer gaming devices the social excitement and energy associated withtable games such as roulette, baccarat and craps,

Numerous embodiments are described, and are presented for illustrativepurposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limitingin any sense. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practicedwith various modifications and alterations. Although particular featuresmay be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments orfigures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments, it should beunderstood that such features are not limited to usage in the one ormore particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they aredescribed. The present disclosure is thus neither a literal descriptionof all possible embodiments nor a listing of features that must bepresent in all embodiments.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “an exemplary embodiment”, “someembodiments”, “an example embodiment”, “at least one embodiment”, “oneor more embodiments” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but notnecessarily all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising” and variationsthereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “consisting of” and variations thereof mean “including andlimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive. The enumerated listing of items does notimply that any or all of the items are collectively exhaustive ofanything, unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listingof items does not imply that the items are ordered in any manneraccording to the order in which they are enumerated.

The term “comprising at least one of” followed by a listing of itemsdoes not imply that a component or subcomponent from each item in thelist is required. Rather, it means that one or more of the items listedmay comprise the item specified. For example, if it is said “wherein Acomprises at least one of: a, b and c” it is meant that (i) A maycomprise a, (ii) A may comprise b, (iii) A may comprise c, (iv) A maycomprise a and b, (v) A may comprise a and c, (vi) A may comprise b andc, or (vii) A may comprise a, b and c.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “based on” means “based at least on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The methods described herein (regardless of whether they are referred toas methods, processes, algorithms, calculations, and the like)inherently include one or more steps. Therefore, all references to a“step” or “steps” of such a method have antecedent basis in the mererecitation of the term ‘method’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a method is deemed tohave sufficient antecedent basis.

Headings of sections provided in this document and the title are forconvenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure inany way.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required, orthat each of the disclosed components must communicate with every othercomponent. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodimentsdescribed herein.

Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the likemay be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods andalgorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in thisdocument does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that thesteps be performed in that order. The steps of processes describedherein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps maybe performed simultaneously despite being described or implied asoccurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described afterthe other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to theinvention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., a microprocessor or controller device) will receive instructionsfrom a memory or like storage device, and execute those instructions,thereby performing a process defined by those instructions. Further,programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of known media.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single devicearticle may be used in place of the more than one device or article.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments describedherein need not include the device itself.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may beread by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may takemany forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediamay include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typicallyconstitutes the main memory. Transmission media may include coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires or otherpathways that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor.Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves andelectromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, anEEPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such asTransmission Control Protocol, Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, GSM, CDMA, EDGE and EVDO.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any schematic illustrationsand accompanying descriptions of any sample databases presented hereinare illustrative arrangements for stored representations of information.Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggestedby the tables shown. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databasesrepresent example information only. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the number and content of the entries can be differentfrom those illustrated herein. Further, despite any depiction of thedatabases as tables, other formats (including relational databases,object-based models and/or distributed databases) could be used to storeand manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, object methodsor behaviors of a database can be used to implement the processes ofembodiments described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a knownmanner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses datain such a database.

It should also be understood that, to the extent that any term recitedin the claims is referred to elsewhere in this document in a mannerconsistent with a single meaning, that is done for the sake of clarityonly, and it is not intended that any such term be so restricted, byimplication or otherwise, to that single meaning.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step or” or the phrase “steps or” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, some examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

As used herein, “gaming device” refers to a device that is capable, at aminimum, of displaying gaming outcomes of a wagering game. Similarly, asused herein, a “wireless gaming device” refers to a gaming device 102configured or otherwise adapted to engage in electronic communicationvia a wireless medium and attendant protocol. Examples of gaming devices102 include, but are not limited to, slot machines, video pokermachines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, and casinotable games (such as baccarat, blackjack and roulette) equipped withelectronic components that may facilitate embodiments described herein(e.g., electronic virtual tables with simulated cards, chips and/ordealer; “smart” tables with a live dealer and one or more electronicdevices such as chip/card readers, display screens and/or player/dealerinput devices; etc.).

Furthermore, as used herein, “gaming content” refers to video contentthat includes the display of one or more complete or partial gamingoutcomes or other information associated with the one or more completeor partial gaming outcomes. Gaming content may be created by redactingand/or combining gaming information received from a gaming device 102and/or other source. For example a controller 200 on a casino'sserver-based gaming network may combine a player's gaming outcome withlive video of the player's reaction to the gaming outcome, and transmitthe resulting game play content to a public display 106 within thecasino. Gaming content may also be produced by a separate peripheraldevice that is operatively in communication with the public display 106.Examples of gaming content include, but are not limited to, (1) arepresentation of an occurrence of a game of chance (e.g. being playedwithin a casino, on a wireless gaming device 102, etc.), (2) arepresentation of an initial hand of five cards in video poker, (3) arepresentation of the final hand of five cards in video poker, (4) alive (or delayed) broadcast of hands currently being played at ablackjack table within a casino, and (5) a live (or delayed) broadcastof a player's reaction to a gaming device 102 and/or gaming outcome.

Furthermore, as used herein, “non-gaming content” and “non-gaming mediacontent” refers to video and/or audio content that does not involve thedisplay of a gaming outcome. Examples of non-gaming media contentinclude, but are not limited to (1) a sporting event such as a NFLfootball game, (2) a television sitcom such as Seinfeld, (3) a movielocated on a storage medium such as: VHS, DVD, CD, and a computerhard-drive, (4) a television feed of a boxing match or magic showcurrently taking place at the casino, (5) advertisements for arestaurant or service located within a casino, and (6) casino generatedpromotional content for a Texas Hold 'Em tournament taking placeelsewhere in a casino's poker room.

Furthermore, as used herein, “public display” refers to a display devicesuch as a television or computer monitor (LCD, CRT, PDP, etc.), videobillboard, video projector, LED display device (e.g., a screen thatscrolls text using LEDs), and/or movie screen that normally operates todisplay non-gaming media content for viewing. A public display 106 maybe considered to be a display that is (or may be) simultaneouslyviewable by more than one person such as a projection of content onto awall or other smooth surface. A public display 106 typically, in normaloperation, displays non-gaming media content for viewing by persons notassociated with a particular wagering game or round of a wagering game.A public display 106 may have associated audio speakers (e.g., foroutputting the sound of a video feed such as a hockey game or TV show).In an exemplary embodiment, these audio speakers may be considered to bepart of the public display 106. In another exemplary embodiment, apublic display 106 may be a portable display device or display surface.

Furthermore, as used herein, “private display” refers to a displaydevice that may be viewed by one or more persons, typically one or moreplayers, that, during normal operation, displays, at least in part,gaming content. For example, most gaming devices 102, including, but notlimited to, standalone electronic gaming devices (slot machines, videopoker machines), wireless gaming devices, and table games (virtual orsmart tables), as well as tablet computers and cell phones have privatedisplays. A private display may have associated audio speakers (e.g.,headphones, or a speaker built into a slot machine).

Furthermore, as used herein, a “video output device” refers to a devicethat may be operatively connected to a public display 106, and may becapable of processing multiple video signals into a single output videosignal (e.g., a set-top box associated with a television set, or a videocard in a video server). For example, the video output device 108 may beable to process a first non-gaming media content and a second gamingcontent into a single split-screen video output. The video output device108 may be capable of scaling the first content with respect to thesecond content based on external information relating to the viewersand/or requesters of the first and/or second content(s). The videooutput device 108 may also be able to switch between one or more videosignals based on external factors, or factors relating to the non-gamingmedia content and/or gaming content. For example, the video outputcontroller may display gaming content during the commercial breaks of astandard video content (e.g. as detected by flags, queues or keywords inthe Closed Captioned circuit). In another example, the video outputdevice may display bonus-round (gaming) content on 50% of the publicdisplay 106, when it is determined that the player of a wireless gamingdevice is within certain proximity of the public display 106 and hasbecome eligible for such a bonus round. In another embodiment, the videooutput device 108 may open up a “picture and picture” (PIP) window fordisplaying gaming content, may position the window according to certainrules, and may close the window according to certain rules (e.g. whenthe final wheel of a slot machine resolves, the PIP window closes). Insome embodiments, a video output device 108 may be internally integratedwith a public display 106. While in other embodiments, the video outputdevice 108 may be a separate unit that may be commercially available,such as a TiVo tuner.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a system 100 consistentwith one or more exemplary and non-limiting embodiments having acontroller 200 (e.g., a game server; a network server) in communicationwith one or more gaming devices 102 and with one or more public displays106. As illustrated, system 100 is configured to work in a networkenvironment including a controller 200 that is in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more devices, such as gaming devices102 (e.g., slot machines, video poker machines), video output devices108, and public displays 106. The controller may communicate with thedevices 102, 108 and the public displays 106 directly or indirectly, viaa wired or wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet,Token Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combinationof communications means. In the exemplary embodiment shown, controller200 may communicate with each of one or more public displays 106 via anassociated video output device 108.

With reference to FIG. 2, there is illustrated in more detail anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a controller 200. Asillustrated, controller 200 is operable to communicate with one or moregaming devices 102, video output devices 108, and public displays 106.Although three gaming devices 102, one public display 106, and one videooutput device 108 are illustrated, any number may be utilized inpractice.

The controller 200 may be implemented as a system controller, adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purposecomputer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical orelectro-mechanical device. The controller 200 may comprise, for example,one or more server computers operable to communicate with one or moreclient devices, such as one or more gaming devices 102, one or morevideo output devices 108, and/or one or more public displays 106. Thecontroller 200 may be operative to manage the system 100 and to executesome or all of the methods described herein.

In operation, the controller 200 may function under the control of acasino, another merchant, or other entity that may also control use ofthe gaming devices 102. For example, the controller 200 may be a slotserver in a casino. In some embodiments, the controller 200 and a slotserver may be different devices. In some embodiments, the controller 200may comprise a plurality of computers operating together. In someembodiments, the controller 200 and a gaming device 102 may be the samedevice.

The controller 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 205 is in communication with acommunication port 210 (e.g., for communicating with one or more otherdevices, such as one or more gaming devices 102) and a memory 215. Thememory 215 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, opticaland/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, Random AccessMemory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk.The processor 205 and the memory 215 may each be, for example: (i)located entirely within a single computer or other device; or (ii)connected to each other by a remote communication medium, such as aserial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver. In oneembodiment, the controller 200 may comprise one or more devices that areconnected to a remote server computer for maintaining databases.

The memory 215 stores a program 220 for controlling the processor 205.The processor 205 performs instructions of the program 220, and therebyoperates in accordance with the invention, and particularly inaccordance with the exemplary embodiments of methods described in detailherein. The program 220 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format. The program 220 further includes program elements thatmay be necessary, such as an operating system, a database managementsystem and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 205 to interfacewith computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are knownto those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.The program 220 may include computer program code that allows thecontroller 200 to employ the communication port 210 to communicate with,for example, a gaming device 102.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the instructions of the program220 may be read into a main memory from another computer-readablemedium, such as from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequences of theinstructions in program 220 causes processor 205 to perform the processsteps described herein. In alternate exemplary embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the invention. Thus,exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software.

The memory 215 may also store, (i) a player database 225; (ii) a publicdisplay database 230; (iii) a player control eligibility database 235;(iv) a gaming content eligibility database 240; and (v) a gaming devicedatabase 245. Each of the databases 230 through 245 is described in moredetail below.

In some exemplary embodiments (e.g., in an embodiment in whichcontroller 200 manages downloadable games playable on one or more gamingdevices 102), the memory 215 may store additional databases. Examples ofsuch additional databases include, but are not limited to, (i) a gamedatabase that stores information regarding one or more games playable onand/or downloadable to one or more gaming devices 102, and (ii) ascheduling and/or configuration database useful for determining whichgames are to be made available on which gaming devices 102.

Although the databases 230 through 245 are described as being stored ina memory 215 of controller 200, in other embodiments some or all ofthese databases may be partially or wholly stored, in lieu of or inaddition to being stored in a memory of controller 300, in a memory ofone or more other devices. Such one or more other devices may comprise,for example, one or more peripheral devices, one or more gaming devices102, a slot server (if different from the controller 200), anotherdevice, or a combination thereof. Further, some or all of the datadescribed as being stored in the memory 215 may be partially or whollystored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory 215) ina memory of one or more other devices. Such one or more other devicesmay comprise, for example, one or more peripheral devices, one or moregaming devices 102, a slot server (if different from controller 200),another device, or a combination thereof.

Various databases that may be useful in one or more embodiments will nowbe described. Example structures and sample contents of (i) a publicdisplay database 230; (ii) a player control eligibility database 235;and (iii) a gaming content eligibility database 240 are shown in FIGS.6-9, respectively. The specific data and fields illustrated in thesedrawings represent only some embodiments of the records stored in thedatabases described herein. The data and fields of these databases canbe readily modified, for example, to include more or fewer data fields.A single database also may be employed. Note that in the databases adifferent reference numeral is employed to identify each field of eachdatabase. However, in at least one embodiment, fields that are similarlynamed may store similar or the same data in a similar or in the samedata format.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is represented, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a player control eligibilitydatabase 235 having multiple columns comprising at least one playereligibility condition column 610, 610′, 610″ and a column 612 in whichis represented a percentage of a public display able to be controlled bya player that meets the associated eligibility conditions. For example,with reference to row 620, when a maximum bet is detected at a device, agaming session has been in progress for a minimum of thirty minutes, anda bonus round is in progress, all three player eligibility conditions610, 610′, 610″ are met. As a result of these three conditions beingmet, the percent of a public display 106 that a player is eligible tocontrol is “10%” as indicated in column 612 of row 620.

With reference to FIG. 7, there is represented, in tabular form, anotherexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a player control eligibilitydatabase 235 having at least one column comprising at least oneevent/condition 710 and a column 720 in which is represented apercentage change of control of the output of a public display 106. Forexample, with reference to row 730, when a wager greater than a minimumamount of $10 is detected at a device, a value reflecting the control ofthe output of a public display is increased by 3%.

With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a gaming content eligibilitydatabase 240 having multiple columns comprising at least one gamingcontent preemption method column 810 and a column 815 in which isrepresented an amount of player comp points required to display gamingcontent. For example, with reference to row 820, when a player hasaccumulated at least four hundred comp points, the gaming content of theplayer is eligible to preempt the non-gaming media content of a publicdisplay 106 by displaying the outcome of the gaming content of thesingle player in a scrolling ticker format. In another example,illustrated with reference to row 840, when a player has accumulated atleast eight hundred comp points, the gaming content of the player iseligible to preempt the non-gaming media content of a public display 106by splitting the screen of the public display 106 so as to display botha player's jackpot win as well as non-gaming media content.

With reference to FIG. 9, there is illustrated, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a public display database 230having multiple columns comprising at least a display id 910 thatuniquely identifies a public display, a display location 912 thatidentifies a location of the public display, a display size 914indicative of a size of the display, a display type 916 that identifiesa type or other description of the public display, a player eligibilityrequirement 918 that indicates at least one requirement for a player inorder to be eligible to display content on the associated publicdisplay, and a display status 920 indicating information related to thestatus of the public display 106. As is evident, as described more fullybelow, different public displays 106 corresponding to differentindividual display ids 910 may be associated with different playereligibility requirements 918.

With reference to FIG. 15, there is illustrated, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a gaming device database 245that may be stored in the memory 215. As illustrated, gaming devicedatabase 245 includes a number of example records or entries, eachdefining a gaming device 102 that may be in communication (e.g., over aLAN or WAN) with controller 200. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the gaming device database 245 may include any number ofentries. Exemplary columns specify: (i) a gaming device identifier 1510that uniquely identifies a particular gaming device 102 (e.g., uniquelyidentifies a particular slot machine on a casino floor or a PCcommunicating with an online casino), (ii) a gaming device type 1520that stores a description or designation of the type of gaming device102, and (iii) a gaming device location 1530. In other exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, gaming device database 245 may includeadditional columns, not shown, that may serve to associate one or morepublic displays 106 with individual gaming devices 102. Such informationmay be used when determining which public display 106 is to be utilizedto display gaming content from a gaming device 102 as described morefully below.

In some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments (e.g., in an embodimentin which the controller 200 manages downloadable games playable on oneor more gaming devices 102), the memory 215 may store additionaldatabases. Examples of such additional databases include, but are notlimited to, (i) a game database that stores information regarding one ormore games playable on and/or downloadable to one or more gaming devices102, and (ii) a scheduling and/or configuration database useful fordetermining which games are to be made available on which gaming devicegaming devices 102 at what times. In other embodiments, some or all ofthese functions may be handled by a device distinct from controller 200.

Similarly, in one embodiment controller 200 may be operable to configurea gaming device 102 (and/or another device, such as a kiosk, POS, COP,etc.) remotely, update software stored on a gaming device 102 and/or todownload software or software components to a gaming device 102. Forexample, controller 200 may be operable to apply a hot fix to softwarestored on a gaming device 102, modify a payout and/or probability tablestored on a gaming device 102 and/or transmit a new version of softwareand/or a software component to a gaming device 102. The controller 200may be programmed to perform any or all of the above functions based on,for example, an occurrence of an event (e.g., a scheduled event),receiving an indication from a qualified casino employee and/or otherperson (e.g., a regulator) and/or receiving a request from a player. Inother embodiments, some or all of these functions may be handled by adevice distinct from controller 200.

The controller 200 may comprise, in at least some embodiments, anelectronic device (e.g., a computer) that is operable to communicatewith one or more gaming devices 102. In some embodiments, controller 200may function as a computer server and may control or direct at leastsome processes of gaming devices 102. Alternately, or additionally, thecontroller 200 may contain or otherwise be configured to read data fromand/or write data to one or more databases of one or more of the gamingdevices 102. Such data may comprise, for example, probability data,payout data, player data, and so on, in some embodiments, outcomes maybe “centrally-determined” by controller 200 or another device that isdistinct from the gaming devices 102. Such centrally-determined outcomesmay then be promulgated to one or more gaming devices 102, such thatthey may be received by players.

In one embodiment, controller 200 may in turn be in communication withanother electronic device (not shown) that is distinct from a gamingdevice 102, which electronic device may be operable to (i) direct thecontroller 200 to perform certain functions and/or (ii) read data fromand/or write data to the controller 200. For example, the controller 200may comprise a slot server or Data Collection Unit (DCU) that controlsand/or communicates with a bank of gaming devices 102, which server orDCU is in turn in communication with a casino server that is incommunication with a plurality of controllers 200. In anotherembodiment, the controller 200 may be operable to communicate with theone or more gaming devices 102 via another electronic device (e.g., aDCU), such as a server computer operable to communicate with a pluralityof gaming devices 102. For example, in one embodiment, the controller200 may be operable to communicate with a plurality of computing devices(not shown), each computing device operable to communicate with arespective plurality of gaming devices 102.

With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated in more detail anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a gaming device 102. The gamingdevice 102 may be implemented as a system controller, a dedicatedhardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer,or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanicaldevice. The gaming device 102 may comprise, for example, a slot machine,a video poker terminal, a video blackjack terminal, a video kenoterminal, a video lottery terminal, a pachinko machine or a table-topgame. In various exemplary embodiments, a gaming device 102 maycomprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g., which communicateswith an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g., to communicate withan automated sports book that provides gaming services), or a portablehandheld gaming device 102 (e.g., a personal digital assistant orNintendo GameBoy). In some exemplary embodiments, the gaming device 102may comprise a device operable to facilitate a table game (e.g., adevice operable to monitor a blackjack game, such as size of a playerswager, cards received and/or decisions made). The gaming device 102 maycomprise any or all of the gaming devices 102 of system 100 (FIG. 1). Insome exemplary embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cell phonemay be used in place of, or in addition to, some or all of the gamingdevice 102 components depicted in FIG. 3.

Further, a gaming device 102 may comprise a personal computer or otherdevice operable to communicate with an online casino and facilitate gameplay at the online casino. In one or more exemplary embodiments, thegaming device 102 may comprise a computing device operable to executesoftware that simulates play of a reeled slot machine game, video pokergame, video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulette game, orlottery game.

The example gaming device 102 comprises a processor 305, such as one ormore Intel® Pentium® processors. The processor 305 is in communicationwith a communication port 315 (e.g., for communicating with one or moreother devices, such as with controller 200). The processor 305 may be,for example: (i) located entirely within a single computer or otherdevice; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote communicationmedium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequencytransceiver.

A memory 310 stores a program 320 for controlling the processor 305. Theprocessor 305 performs instructions of the program 320, and therebyoperates in accordance with the invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 320,as well as any other program for controlling a processor describedherein, may be stored in a compressed, uncornpiled and/or encryptedformat. The following description of program 320 applies equally to allprograms for directing a processor described herein. The program 320furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such as anoperating system, a database management system and “device drivers” forallowing the processor 305 to interface with computer peripheraldevices. Appropriate program elements are known to those skilled in theart, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment, the instructions of the program 320 may beread into a main memory from another computer-readable medium, such asfrom a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in program320 may cause processor 305 to perform one or more process stepsdescribed herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may beused in place of, or in combination with, software instructions forimplementation of the processes of the invention. Thus, embodimentsdescribed herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The memory 310 may also store one or more databases. For example, memory310 may store one or more of a probability database (not shown) and apayout database (not shown).

The fields of a probability database may specify, for example: (i) arandom number (or range of random numbers) that may be generated by arandom number generator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one ormore indicia comprising the outcome that corresponds to the randomnumber of a particular record. A gaming device 102 may utilize aprobability database to determine, for example, what outcome correspondsto a random number generated by a random number generator and to displaythe determined outcome. The outcomes may comprise the three symbols tobe displayed along the payline of a three-reel slot machine. Otherarrangements of probability databases are possible. For example, thebook “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan (Carol Publishing GroupEdition, 1997) illustrates examples of payout and probability tables andhow they may be derived. The entirety of this book is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

The fields of a payout database may specify, for example: (i) anoutcome, which indicates the one or more indicia comprising a givenoutcome; and (ii) a payout that corresponds to each respective outcome.If gaming device 102 comprises a three-reel slot machine, for example,the outcomes may be those obtained on a three-reel slot machine.

A gaming device 102 may utilize a payout database to determine whether apayout should be output to a player as a result of an outcome obtainedfor a game. For example, after determining the outcome to output on thegaming device 102, the gaming device 102 may access the payout databaseto determine whether the outcome for output is one of the outcomesstored as corresponding to a payout. If it is, the gaming device 102 mayprovide the corresponding payout to the player via a benefit outputdevice described herein. Other arrangements of payout databases arepossible. For example, the book “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan(Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997), previously incorporated byreference, illustrates many examples of payout and probability tablesand how they may be derived.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, as described, data may be storedin a memory of another device (e.g., a database of controller 200 or adatabase of another server device). In one or more exemplaryembodiments, gaming device 102 may be operable to access the datathereof or have information associated with the data stored thereindownloaded to the gaming device 102 as necessary and/or appropriate.

In one embodiment, memory 310 may store a database of events or actionson the part of the player that may trigger the gaming device 102 totransmit an indication to another device (e.g., controller 200) that aplayer currently playing the gaming device 102 desires, or is eligible,to display some or all of the gaming output of the player's gamingdevice 102 on a public display 106. Of course, in other exemplaryembodiments such a list may not be stored in a database form but mayrather be stored in another form (e.g., as instructions or code thatcomprise the program 320 or a subroutine thereof.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a random numbergenerator 325, which may be a component of gaming device 102. The randomnumber generator 325 (as well as any other random number generatordescribed herein), in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment,may generate data representing random or pseudo-random values (referredto as “random numbers” herein).

The display device 335 may comprise, for example, one or more distinctdisplay areas and/or one or more distinct display devices 335. Forexample, one of the display areas may display outcomes of games playedon the gaming device (e.g., electronic reels of a gaming device).Another of the display areas may display rules for playing a game of thegaming device 102. Yet another of the display areas may display thebenefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device 102 (e.g., inthe form of displaying gaming output to a public display 106). Yetanother of the display areas may display congratulatory messages to theplayer and information regarding the display of gaming content on apublic display 106 such as, for example, a player's standing in a queueas described more fully below.

The processor 305 is also in communication with an input device 340,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from aplayer or another device) and which may be a component of gaming device102. An input device may communicate with or be part of another device(e.g. a controller 200, a gaming device 102, etc.). Some examples ofinput devices include: a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, acomputer keyboard or keypad, a button (e.g., mechanical,electromechanical or “soft”, as in a portion of a touch-screen), ahandle, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor, avoice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, a sonic ranger, acomputer port, a video camera, a motion detector, a digital camera, anetwork card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPS receiver, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer,a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., for receiving communicationsfrom a second gaming device or a another device such as a smart card orFDA of a player), and a weight scale. For gaming devices 102, commoninput devices include a button or touch screen on a video poker machine,a lever or handle connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripereader to read a player tracking card inserted into a gaming device, atouch screen for input of player selections during game play, and a coinand bill acceptor. Input device 340 may comprise any of theabove-described input devices or any combination thereof (i.e., inputdevice 340 may comprise more than one input device).

In some exemplary embodiments, a gaming device 102 may comprisecomponents capable of facilitating both input and output functions(i.e., input/output devices). In one example, a touch-sensitive displayscreen comprises an input/output device (e.g., the device outputsgraphics and receives selections from players).

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, agaming device 102 may comprise various combinations of any or all of thecomponent devices described herein. For example, in one or moreembodiments, the gaming device may include more than one display device335, one or more other output devices, several input devices 340, and soon (e.g., two display screens, two audio speakers, a headset, aticket-in/ticket-out device and several buttons).

One example of a particular input device 340 that may be a component ofgaming device 102 is a sensor element 345. A sensor element 345 may be acomponent of gaming device 102 or may be otherwise associated withgaming device 102 (and, e.g., be operable to provide information togaming device 102). A sensor element 345 may comprise any device orcombination of devices operable to detect, receive an indication of,measure, determine, and/or deduce (i) a change in a parameter, (ii) avalue of a parameter, and/or (iii) a state of a device and/or parameter.In particular, in some embodiments a sensor element 345 may comprise anelement, component, device, mechanism or other means for sensinginformation associated with a player playing the gaming device 102.

In one exemplary embodiment, the player tracking device 355 may comprise(i) a card reader (e.g., a port into which player tracking cards may beinserted), (ii) various input devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen),(iii) various output devices (e.g., a small, full-color display screen),and/or (iv) combinations thereof (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screenthat accommodates both input and output functions). Various commerciallyavailable devices may be suitable for such an application, such as theNextGen™ interactive player tracking panel manufactured by IGT™ or theiVIEW™ display screen manufactured by Bally® Gaming and Systems.

In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various electroniccomponents mounted to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). Suchcomponents may include various hardware described herein, such as acommunications port and various controllers of peripheral devices (e.g.,a display controller), as well as a memory for storing programminginstructions (software) and a processor for carrying out suchinstructions. Forms of memory 310 that may be found in a gaming device102 include, but are not limited to, electronically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus, in one or more embodiments, anEPROM storing software with instructions for carrying out aspects of thevarious embodiments (as well as instructions for carrying out otherfunctions traditionally performed by the gaming device 102) may replacean EPROM previously installed in a gaming device or may be reprogrammedin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, such thatthe gaming device 102 may be configured to operate in accordance withvarious processes described herein (e.g., requesting the display ofgaming content on a public display 106).

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display device 335 andinput device 340 may operate, together or separately, as a playerinterface. A player interface may comprise, for example, a video screenthat is a touch screen operable to display such one or more such menuson the display device 335. A menu so displayed to a player may providethe player with, for example, a choice of available public displays 106,options regarding the gaming content to be displayed on a public display106, and the like. As described more fully below, a player may bepresented with a menu of options via a touch screen, for example, uponindicating a desire to display gaming content on a public display 106via such a menu and/or upon initiating play at the gaming device 102. Aplayer may select an option from such a menu by touching the area of thescreen on which the option appears.

It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments may includestoring graphic and/or sound elements that are used to construct themenu of available options. These elements may be stored, for example, inEEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD ROM, or in any other suitablestorage device. The menu may be displayed via any suitable displaydevice 335, such as a CRT, LCD, VFC, LED display. In one embodiment, themenu may be implemented using only dedicated electromechanical switches.In one embodiment, a player operates an input device 340 of the gamingdevice 102 operable to display the menu, in order to cause the menu tobe displayed. In one embodiment, the device includes a touch screen anda touch screen controller (not shown) associated with a video monitordisplay device 335. The touch screen and touch screen controller may beoperable to communicate with a video controller of the video monitordisplay device and a processor (e.g., a processor of gaming device 102).Thus, a player may be enabled to indicate decisions by touching thetouch screen in the appropriate places.

With reference to FIG. 4 there is illustrated a flowchart of anexemplary method according to one or more embodiments.

At step 410, an indication of an occurrence of a triggering event isreceived by, for example, controller 200. As used herein, “triggeringevent” or “trigger” refers broadly to any and all events, eitherobserved or recorded (e.g. in a memory) and later accessed, that serveas a precondition for the performance of a step or steps. In anexemplary embodiment, described more fully below, a request from aplayer of a gaming device 120 may serve as a trigger to cause thecontroller 200 to proceed to display gaming content on a public display106.

There follows various non-limiting and exemplary embodiments oftriggering events that may be utilized in system 100.

In one exemplary embodiment, information related to one or more playersof gaming devices 102 may be observed or otherwise accessed and mayserve as a trigger. Examples include, but are not limited to, a changein a player's comp level status, one or more player's comp points totalequaling or exceeding a predetermined threshold, and a player expresslyrequesting control of a public display 106.

In another exemplary embodiment, metrics relating to one or more playerswager amount(s) can serve as a trigger when the value of such metricsequals, exceeds, or fails to exceed a predefined threshold level.Examples of such metrics include, but are not limited to, the totalamount that one or more players wager during a specific time period, theaverage amount that one or more players wager during a specific timeperiod, the rate at which one or more players may be placing wagers, andthe minimum amount that one or more players must wager on each outcomeof a gaming session.

In another exemplary embodiment, factors relating to one or more gamingoutcomes can serve as a triggering event. Examples of such gamingoutcomes may include a player hitting a $1432 jackpot on a slot machineand a player being dealt four of the five cards needed for a royal flushin video poker. Likewise, a time related to a gaming outcome, such asthe time at which a winner of a tournament will be determined, may serveas a triggering event when the present e equals the time related to thegaming outcome.

In another exemplary embodiment, input from one or more sensors, such asa sensor element 345, can serve as a triggering event. Examples of suchinputs include, but are not limited to, the output of motion detectorssensing a high level of activity as well as the output of one or morebiometric sensors (e.g., a weight sensor, a thumbprint reader, arangefinder, a pulse rate reader, or a thermal sensor.)

Upon receipt of an indication of a triggering event as described abovewith reference to step 410, a determination is made at step 412 withreference to the eligibility of a player or players of one or moregaming devices 102 to qualify to take control of a portion of a publicdisplay 106. It is to be understood that the triggering events describedabove may also serve to establish the eligibility of a player orplayers. For example, upon the receipt of an indication of an occurrenceof a triggering condition, the eligibility of a player or player may bedetermined based upon the output of a biometric sensor, the output ofwhich, under other conditions, might otherwise serve as a triggeringevent.

There follows various non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of factorsthat may be utilized in system 100 (e.g., by accessing player controleligibility database 235) when determining the eligibility of a playeror players to take control of a public display 106.

Examples of information related to one or more players that may beutilized when determining eligibility include, but are not limited to,information related to one or more players. A player's comp level statusmay be used to determine eligibility. For example, players and groups ofplayers with a higher comp level status can be given priority whendetermining eligibility of a player or group to control a public display106. One or more player's comp points total may be used to determineeligibility. For example, a player may be required to have a minimumamount of comp points in order to request control of a public display106. Information relating to a player's request for control of a publicdisplay may be used to determine eligibility. In another example, afirst player may be given priority over a second player if the firstplayer's request for control is received before the second player'srequest. In addition, factors relating to a player's wager amounts maybe used to determine eligibility. In addition to determining theeligibility of a player to exercise control over a public display 106 todisplay gaming content, such eligibility criteria may be furtherutilized to establish a relative priority of a player's gaming contentsuch as when more than one request for access to a public display arequeued pending the availability of a public display 106. For example,players with higher average or higher total wagers may be given priorityqueuing over those with lower average or lower total wagers and thosecurrently not placing wagers as described more fully below. Additionalfactors that may be used to determine eligibility include, but are notlimited to, the total amount that one or more players wagers during aspecific time period, the average amount that one or more players wagersduring a specific time period, the rate at which one or more players maybe placing wagers, and the minimum amount that one or more players mustwager on each outcome of a gaming session.

In non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, factors relating to one ormore gaming sessions may be utilized to determine the eligibility of aplayer or players to take control of a public display 106. Examples ofsuch factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time of oneor more player's current gaming session and the total win/loss for oneor more players during a gaming session.

In other non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, factors relating torevenue generated from the one or more players at the casino propertymay be utilized to determine the eligibility of a player or players totake control of a public display 106. Examples of such factors include,but are not limited to, a dollar amount that one or more individuals mayspend at the casino property. For example, an individual or group ofindividuals may be credited with points for every dollar that they spendat a casino property (i.e., room charges, food and beverage expenses,shows/entertainment). Likewise, a dollar amount that one or moreindividuals may commit to spend at the casino property at a later timemay be utilized to determine eligibility. For example, a group ofplayers may be allowed to display gaming content on a public display 106if they agree to spend over $100 in food and beverages at the bar wherethe public display 106 is located. Similarly, a dollar amount that oneor more players may commit to wager at the casino property at a latertime may be utilized to determine eligibility. For example, a group ofplayers may be allowed use of a public display 106 if they agree toplace wagers totaling over $1000 during an hour use of the publicdisplay 106.

In other non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, factors relating to thenumber of players in a group may be utilized to determine theeligibility of a player or players to take control of a public display106. For example, a first group of five friends requests access to apublic display 106 to display a 30-minute $1.25 max bet, video pokertournament in which they are engaged. A second group of seven friendsrequests access to the same public display 106 for a 30-minute $1.00 maxbet, video poker tournament. The second group is given priority anddetermined to be eligible over the first group since the second grouphas a greater number of group members.

In other non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, factors relating towhether or not a player is competing against one or more players may beutilized to determine the eligibility of a player or players to takecontrol of a public display 106. For example, the reaction of a firstfinalist in a Texas Hold 'Em tournament may be output on 50% of a publicdisplay 106, while the reaction and cards of a second finalist in thesame tournament may be displayed on the remaining 50% of the publicdisplay 106.

In other non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, a fee or payment may berequired in order for a player to gain control over a public display106. For example, an hourly fee of $50 is charged to one or more playerswanting to use a public display 106 to display gaming outcomesassociated with the one or more players. Alternately, the one or moreplayers may be given the option to surrender 100 comp points per hour ofpublic display 106 use.

In an exemplary an non-limiting embodiment, information that may be usedto determine control of a public display 106 may be received by adevice, such as controller 200, and/or an individual that aids in thedetermination of control over the public display 106. For example,player information and/or payment may be received by the controller 200.Specifically, a controller 200 operating as part of a casino's system100, such as a server based gaming (SBG) system, may receive a requestfor control of a public display 106 from a player's wireless gamingdevice 102.

With reference to FIG, 5, there is illustrated in tabular form anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a player status database 225.As illustrated, player status database 225 has a player ID column 512and a comp status column 514. Upon receipt of a request for control of apublic display 106 from a player's wireless gaming device 102, thecontroller 200 accesses the player's comp status from player statusdatabase 510. As described more fully below, the retrieved player compstatus may be utilized to determine if the player is eligible to utilizea designated public display 106.

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, player information and/orpayment may be received by a peripheral device operatively connected tothe public display 106. The peripheral device may be operativelyconnected to the public display 106, but may not necessarily beconnected to a casino's SBG network. For example, a bill reader acceptsa $5 payment from a player and consequently allows the player to controlthe output of an associated public display 106. Likewise, a card readerverifies that a swiped card is a valid player tracking card issued bycasino's comp program. Player information or payment may be received bya casino employee or operator. It is noted that various aforementionedexemplary indications, notifications, and requests may be received fromvarious sources including, but not limited to, (1) a player's wirelessgaming device 102, (2) a casino employee or operator that may have beenin contact with a player requesting control of the public display 106(e.g., via an employee handheld or wireless device), (3) an input devicelocated at public display 106, (4) via an object containing playerinformation. (e.g., a player may identify himself by swiping a playertracking card at a card reader that is operatively connected to system100), and (5) a memory devices such as a USB key or MemoryStick,

With continued reference to FIG. 4, if, as a result of the performanceof step 412, it is determined that the player or players are noteligible to control a public display 106, performance is terminated.Alternatively, a message may be output to a non-eligible player,informing the player of a manner in which the player may earneligibility (e.g., by accepting an offer a player may become eligible tohave the current content displayed OF by increasing his wager amount theplayer may become eligible to have future content displayed).Conversely,if, as a result of the performance of step 412, it is determined thatthe player or players are eligible to control a public display 106,processing continues to step 414 whereat there is determined the publicdisplay 106 at which gaming content is to be displayed.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, there are multiple publicdisplays 106 in communication with controller 200 and upon which gamingcontent may be displayed. For example, a sports book at a casino mayhave ten televisions of various sizes that are used to display varioussporting events (e.g., football games, basketball games, boxingmatches). A waiting area at an airport may have multiple video monitorswherein, for example, one monitor is used to display the flight times ofarriving and departing flights, another monitor is utilized to displaythe evening news, and a third monitor displays advertisements forvarious local attractions (e.g., casinos, shows, restaurants, amusementparks). Similarly, a gaming floor at a casino may have a big screentelevision that is used to display advertisements for casinoattractions, and a smaller television that displays the local weatherforecast for the next week.

Alternatively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there may beonly one public display 106 available to display gaming content (e.g.,the only television in local pub where players are playing table-topvideo slot machines or lottery terminals). In such a case, the step ofidentifying or otherwise determining a public display 106 may comprisesimply identifying the only available public display 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, a public display 106 may be identifiedbefore one or more players are able to control its output to displaygaming content. Personal devices such as a cellular telephone, PDA, or awireless gaming device 102 may be used to determine the location andcurrent use of a public display 106. For example, a player in a casinomay query their personal wireless gaming device 102 for the location ofthe nearest available public display 106. It is understood that, in suchexemplary embodiments, the aforementioned determinations and responsesto queries may be performed, in whole or in part, by the controller 200and may involve accessing one or more databases such as, for example,public display database 230.

Alternately, a gaming device 102 on the casino floor may be utilized tolocate the largest public display 106 within a casino property. Once theone or more public displays 106 are located, information relating toeach public display 106, such as physical size, display type, or whatnon-gaming media content is currently being displayed, may be output tothe player via the personal device, such as a gaming device 102, or arequested public display 106.

With reference to FIG. 12, there is illustrated an exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment of a display device 335 forming a part of aplayer's gaming device 102. As is evident, in addition to game indicia1212′-1212″, a portion of the display device 335 is comprised ofinformation display portion 1210 whereat there is displayed, in thepresent example, text information inquiring if the player would like tohave the game content corresponding to the player's winning of $100dollars, as well as video of the player, displayed on a predeterminedpublic display 106. There is further illustrated various responsebuttons 1215, 1220, 1225 corresponding to various possible replies bywhich the player may respond to the inquiry in information displayportion 1210. While illustrated with reference to a textual inquirydisplayed in information display portion 1210 and various predeterminedresponses indicated by response buttons 1215, 1220, 1225, the inventionis not so limited. Rather, the invention is broadly drawn to encompassany and all methods of display and response that may be utilized toaffect a selection of a public display 106 in accordance with thedesires of a player.

For example, a player has just won a spin on the slot machine/gamingdevice 102 Wheel-of-Fortune. The player would like the spin of the wheelto be broadcast on the nearest public display 106 for other casinopatrons to view. In the corner of a display device 335 of the gamingdevice 102 a button marked, “See me on a big screen,” is blinking,indicating that it is active. The player presses the button to indicatea desired request, and the request is then relayed to controller 200. Insuch an instance, the controller 200 locates the nearest availablepublic display 106 by, for example, accessing gaming device database 245to ascertain the location of the players gaming device 102 and accessingpublic display database 230 to find a nearby public display 106, andoutputs on the display device 335 of the gaming device 102 the followingmessage, “Your Spin will be shown live on the Elephant Bar's big screentelevision!.” The player then proceeds with the spin while the gamingdevice 102 continuously updates it's status with the controller 200. Thecontroller 200 may then generate gaming content based on the gamingdevices status, and simultaneously cause the gaming content to be outputon the restaurant's television as described more fully below.

Various exemplary methods of identifying one or more public displays 106capable of displaying gaming content may be utilized. For example, uponachieving a winning outcome on a gaming device 102 (e.g., a slotmachine), a player may be prompted to select a public display 106 wherean indication of the winning outcome should be displayed. In anotherexample, a player may use GUI menu(s) on a wireless handheld gamingdevice 102 to indicate a desire for the most recent outcome to bedisplayed on a public display 106. In a further example, a group ofplayers may win access to the bonus round in a community game. The leadplayer from the group may be permitted to select a public display 106where the bonus round is displayed.

As noted above, a player may use an input device, such as the inputdevice 340 of the gaming device 102, to help identify a public display106. In practice, the input devices utilized to identify public displays106 include, but are not limited to (1) wireless gaming devices 102(e.g., a player is meeting three friends to play in a virtual slotmachine tournament on individual wireless gaming devices 102. The playersubmits a query on his own wireless gaming device 102, so as to locate apublic display 106 capable of displaying real time results of thetournament to the players. Similar to the selection of a Wireless AccessPoint on a personal computer or PDA, the player may see a list ofavailable public displays 106 within wireless and/or viewing range), (2)a cellular telephone, (3) a Personal Data Assistant (FDA), (4) aninformation kiosk that may be located within the casino, (5) a cashlessgaming receipt reader located within the casino property, (6) a gamingdevice 102 such as a slot machine or video poker machine (e.g., a playeris playing video poker at a machine on the casino floor, but decidesthat he would like to complete the gaming session at a casino bar), and(7) a personal computer (e.g., a player may set up preferences relatedto public display 106 notifications via a personal computer and/orwebsite prior to visiting a casino property.)

In other exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the player may ask acasino employee or operator for help in identifying one or more publicdisplays 106. Furthermore, a public display device 106 may identifyitself to one or more players as capable of displaying gaming content aswell as non-gaming media content. For example, the public display 106may display a message saying, “Use this television to display yourgaming content!” Likewise, the public display 106 may use a peripheraldevice, which may include another public display 106, to notify one ormore players of its capability to display gaming content as well asnon-gaming media content. For example, a television at a casino bar isdisplaying an NFL football game. However, it is determined that many ofthe patrons at the bar are watching the game, thus a peripheralscrolling LED device is activated with the following message, “Displayyour game play content on this television during commercials!” Inanother example, a simple light flashes on top of the television or settop box comprising the public display 106 to indicate that it isavailable for public display of gaming content from a gaming device 102.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, system 100 may operate tooutput information about one or more public displays 106 to one or moreplayers who may subsequently indicate a choice of at least one publicdisplay 106. The information may be output via a personal electronicdevice such as a wireless gaming device 102. FDA or cell phone. Forexample, the controller 200, operatively connected to a public display106, transmits a current status of the public displays 106 as “Notcurrently in use” to a group of players engaged in a video slotstournament. The group of players may each have their own wireless gamingdevices 102 with private display devices 335, and may benefit from alarger public display 106 to show a real-time leader board of thetournament.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, controller 200 can outputinformation related to one or more public displays 106 to a player orplayers to facilitate a selection of one or more public displays 106.Such information includes, but is not limited to, (1) the location ofthe public display 106 within the casino, (2) directions from theplayer's current location to the location of the public display 106, (3)the physical size of the public display 106, (4) the type of thephysical display 106 (e.g., the player may request to be notified aboutplasma and LCD type televisions and not projection type televisions),(5) information relating to any payment that may be required to use thepublic display 106, (6) information related to the use that the publicdisplay 106 is currently being put (e.g., Three gold level players areplaying “virtual roulette”), and (7) information on what the publicdisplay 106 may be used for in the future. (e.g., in 30 minutes, a largegroup has reserved the public display in order to view the Red Sox vs.Yankees baseball game).

In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, various methods may beemployed to output information related to a public display 106 to one ormore players to aid in the selection of a public display 106. Forexample, the controller 200 may output such information to the playervia a device such as a cell phone, PDA, wireless gaming device 102,casino gaming device 102, or information kiosk. The player may alsoreceive information relating to a public display 106 from a casinoemployee or operator. In addition, a player may also request to benotified at a later time based on their proximity to a public display106. For instance, a player may wish to be notified on their wirelessgaming device 102 when they are within 50 feet of a public display 106larger than 36. The player's location may be tracked within a casinoproperty through methods such as RFID tags or tag readers within thewireless gaming device 102 and comprising, for example, player trackingdevice 355. In such an instance, the controller 200 may monitor theplayer's location and engage in communication with an appropriatedevice, such as a gaming device 102, so as to notify the player.

Similarly, information related to one or more public displays 106 may beoutput to a group of players. For example, a player within a grouprequests information related to the five closest public displays 106.The player requests that the information is output to the other membersof his group in order to decide which public display 106 they would alllike to use as the common screen for a blackjack tournament.

After identifying a public display 106 on which is displayed non-gamingmedia content, there is determined, at step 416, the extent to which aplayer or players are to control the public display 106.

In accordance with exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, determiningthe level of control a player or group of players may have over theoutput of a public display 106 may be done by evaluating one or morepreviously discussed factors upon which were based determinations ofplayer eligibility and indications of triggering events. These factorsmay be evaluated, for example, with respect to one or more eligibilityrequirements determined by a casino employee or operator, or determineddynamically by system 100, such as by controller 200.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 evaluates information todetermine the extent of player control of a public display 106. Forexample, a player identifier and a request for control of a publicdisplay is received by the controller 200. The player identifier is usedto look up additional information about the player that may be storedwithin a database on the controller, such as in player database 225. Byreferencing the player database 225, it is determined that the player isa current hotel guest and has wagered over $1000 during his currentstay. Based on these factors, the player is eligible to have all bonusrounds that are played on his wireless gaming device 102 output on apublic display 106.

In other exemplary embodiments, a peripheral device in communicationwith the public display 106 may be utilized to determine the extent towhich a player or players are to control the public display 106. Inaddition, a casino employee or operator may aid in determining gamingcontent that is displayed on a public display 106. For example, thecontent output on the top 80% of a public display 106 may be controlledby a casino employee. The bottom 20% may be available to display playerrequested gaming content.

A player or group of players may be eligible to control the entireoutput, or a percentage of the output of a public display 106 based onthe evaluation of previously discussed factors upon which were baseddeterminations of player eligibility and indications of triggeringevents. In one exemplary embodiment, control over a percentage of outputspace on a public display 106 may be established over a specific timeperiod. For example, a silver level player is allowed to determine theoutput of up to 50% of the display space on a public display 106,whereas a gold level player may determine the output of up to 75% of thedisplay space on a public display 106. In an alternative example, aplayer may purchase control over 10% of the display space on a plasmatelevision for a fee of $5 per hour. In another example, a player wishesto display the outcomes of his wireless gaming session on 50% of atelevision screen/public display 106 at a bar for the next hour, andthus inserts $25 into a bill reader operatively connected to thetelevision. Alternatively, a player who has paid for a night in acasino's penthouse suite may be eligible to control 100% of the publicdisplay's output over the period of an hour.

In other exemplary embodiments, control over a percentage of outputspace on a public display 106 may be established over a percentage oftime during a specified time period. For example, gaming content mayonly be displayed during commercial breaks that may occur within astandard, non-gaming video or media content. For example, a leader boardfor a video slots tournament may be displayed during commercial breaksof “I Love Lucy.” Even in such an instance, the leader board may only,for example, occupy 25% of the output space of a public display 106.

Likewise, non-gaming media content on a public display 106 may betemporarily paused in order to display gaming content thus providing theplayer control of the public display 106. For example a live televisionbroadcast of ESPN's Sportszone™ may be paused in order to display apotential royal flush outcome of a player within a casino. Thetelevision broadcast may continue from the point at which it was paused,following the display of the gaming outcome. in such instances, portionsof one or more future commercial breaks may be skipped in order toresume the live broadcast of the non-gaming media content. Digital VideoRecorders (DVR) such as TiVO® may be adapted/used to “pause” a live TVbroadcast of non-gaming media content and thereby start recording of thebroadcast. After the gaming content is displayed, the DVR may beinstructed (e.g. by the Video Output Device 108) to resume the program(i.e. by beginning play of the recording) in a time shifted manner. Insuch instances, when gaming content “preempts” non-gaming content, theviewers are permitted to continue watching the non-gaming content wherethey left off (as opposed to resuming “in progress”).

In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the percentage ofcontrol that a player or players has over the output of a public display106 may be established for a set time period and may be updated at theend of that time period based on historical information. For example agroup of non-gaming patrons is currently watching an NFL football gameon 75% of a public display 106. A group of wireless gaming device 102players are currently having the “community cards” of their Texas Hold'Em tournament displayed on the remaining 25% of the public display 106.After 10 minutes, it is determined that the group of player's averagewagers has significantly increased. Based on this information, thewireless gaming device 102 players are now allowed to utilize 45% of thepublic display 106.

Having determined the extent to which a player or players are to controlthe public display 106, a determination is made at step 418 as towhether gaming content associated with a gaming device 102 operated by aplayer or players is eligible to be displayed on a public display 106.As noted above, sensitive, confidential or otherwise personalinformation associated with a player of a gaming device 102 may beredacted, blurred, deleted or otherwise modified so that gaming contentrendered on a public display 106 is appropriate or otherwise eligiblefor public viewing. Such editing may be performed by the gaming device102, the controller 200, or by a person, such as a casino personnel.

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, requests by a player orplayers to display gaming content on a public display 106 may be storedin a database (e.g., forming a part of memory 215) acting as a queue inwhich requests are stored. In such an example, a queue manager, possiblyembodied as part of program 220 and executed at controller 200, operatesto match requests for access to public displays 106 with availablepublic displays 106 and may do so in accordance with predetermined rulesgoverning the allocation of such resources such as may be stored in adatabase forming part of memory 215. For example, two players requestaccess at approximately the same time to a public display 106 to displaygaming content associated with each player, respectively. In accordancewith an allocation rule that assigns priority to the player with thehighest comp status, the queue manager accesses the player database 225to determine the relative comp status of each player and proceeds todisplay gaming content associated with the player having a higher compstatus on a public display. In other embodiments, the queue manager mayoperate to sequentially respond to player requests for access to publicdisplays 106 in the order in which they are received. It is understoodthat in yet other exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, any manner ofdata related to, but not limited to, a player, a gaming device 102, apublic display 106, and gaming content may be utilized by the queuemanager, perhaps in accordance with one or more predetermined rules to,for example, allocate access to a public display 106, determineeligibility of a player or gaming content, or determine a parameterrelated thereto such as, for example, the shape and/or size of an areaof a public display 106 available to a player for displaying gamingcontent.

After determining the gaming content eligible to be displayed on apublic display 106, a determination is made at step 420 as to whethergaming content is available. In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments,gaming content to be displayed may be acquired from a gaming device 102,may be generated so as to be unique from the gaming content existing on,or output from, a gaming device 102, or may be a combination of the two.

In some exemplary embodiments, gaming content may be generated at, forexample, controller 200, based on one or more gaming outcomes andinformation relating to a player. For example, a player named BobStevens has just achieved a royal flush outcome at a video poker gamingdevice 102. It has already been determined that Bob is eligible to havegaming content output on one or more public displays 106, thus gamingcontent in the form of a congratulatory message is generated. Thegenerated gaming content may be unique from content output on a gamingdevice's 102 private display device 335, and may include five animatedplaying cards doing a dance routine over a scrolling message;“Congratulations to Bob Stevens, Today's First Royal Flush Winner!!!” Inaddition, for example, gaming content may be generated comprisingstatistical information associated with a player or group of players.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, gaming content may begenerated based on input from one or more players. For example, a playermay request that a graphical representation of his daily winnings beoutput on a portion of a public display 106, in addition to his currentgaming outcomes being displayed on a private display, such as displaydevice 335.

In another exemplary embodiment, gaming content may be generated basedon one or more whole or partial gaming outcomes that may be output on aprivate display, such as on a display device 335. For example, twoplayers, each of whom is in possession of a wireless gaming device 102,are randomly paired to compete against each other in ten hands of “War.”A representation of the players' hands is generated and output to apublic display 106.

In yet other exemplary embodiments, gaming content may be generatedbased on events or information relating to game play and events orinformation relating to one or more players including, but not limitedto, a player's preferences (e.g., favorite sports team, favorite color,favorite type of slot machine), a player's hobbies and interests (e.g.,sailing, golf), what language a player speaks (e.g., English, Japanese,Chinese, Polish, Spanish), a player's location (e.g., section A-123 ofthe casino), a player's current activity or activities (e.g., thecontroller 200 may detect the location of a player and display contenton nearby machines that is enjoyable to or targeted at the player or aplayer may watch his favorite sports scores cascade across all availablemachines in his vicinity while playing a slot machine), demographicinformation about a player (e.g., a player's hometown, nationality),purchases made by a player (e.g., products, services), agreements madeby a player (e.g., offers accepted), a player's gaming activities (e.g.,amount of money bet, prizes won, theoretical win, comp points earned,types of games played), information about a player's visit to the casino(e.g., whether the player has a hotel room at the casino, meals consumedby the player, shows attended by the player, reservations the player hasfor meals or shows, etc.), friends, associates, and family members of aplayer, and video and/or audio of a player such as may be acquired by agaming device 102 or a camera and/or microphone associated therewith.For example, a gaming device 102 may have a web-cam style video cameramounted to it, and it may begin recording of players upon the detectionof a potentially winning outcome on a gaming device 102, such as 7-7-?on a slot machine or four cards to a royal on a video poker machine. Theplayer's verbal and/or nonverbal reaction to the partial outcome may berecorded (the anticipation and anxiety), as may be the player's reactionto the resolution of the outcome (e.g. despair or happiness). Therecording may then be shown, in accordance with one or more embodimentsherein, on a public display 106. In an alternate embodiment, asdiscussed herein, video and/or audio of player may be provided through apublic display 106 in real or substantially real time.

In yet other exemplary embodiments, gaming content may be generatedbased on one or more inputs from a sensor. For example, a motiondetector detects a high level of movement in front of an occupied slotmachine and may generate gaming content based on this activity.

In another exemplary embodiment, gaming content may be generated basedon live or recorded video of a player at a gaming device 102 such as,for example, video of a player's reaction to a favorable or unfavorablegaming outcome. The video may also include the reaction of one or moreadditional individuals to the gaming outcome, such as a surprised sisterreacting to her brother winning a large jackpot.

With reference to FIG. 13, there is illustrated an exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment of a player's display device 335 that may beutilized to generate gaming content as described above. Specifically,there is displayed a video image portion 1310 wherein there is displayeda video image of the player's face such as may be selected as a singleframe from video footage of the player. As illustrated, various controlbuttons 1320-1320″ are provided for the player to select a preferredframe. In addition, a plurality of edit buttons 1330-1330′″ are providedto enable the player to further the edit the generated gaming content.

In another exemplary embodiment, gaming content may be generated basedon an event that may occur at a casino. For example, a casino is holdinga Wheel of Fortune slot tournament and may generate content by combiningrandomly chosen wheel spins along with a representation of a tournamentleader board.

In another exemplary embodiment, gaming content may be generated basedon a percentage of control that an individual may have over the outputof a public display 106 such as, for example, a percentage of a publicdisplay's screen that a player may have control over. For example, aplayer is currently playing a “Texas Tea” slot game on a wireless gamingdevice 102 and requests a graphical representation of his gamingoutcomes to be displayed on a public display 106. Since the player'scurrent gaming session has been less than two hours in length, theplayer is eligible, for example, to have his outcomes output on 10% of apublic display, and thus gaming content in the form of a “stock ticker,”is generated as described more fully below. Once the player's gamingsession surpasses the two-hour mark, the player is eligible to havegaming outcomes output on 25% of the public display 106, and thus gamingcontent in the form of an animated story may be generated. In yetanother example, gaming content may be generated based on an amount oftime that a player may have control of a public display 106. Forexample, a player may be eligible to display fifteen seconds of gamingcontent on a public display 106, and indicates to a casino's SBG networka desire for a video clip of the player to be output on the publicdisplay 106. A computer, such as controller 200, may then randomlycombine parts of one or more recordings of the player's reaction togaming outcomes, into a single fifteen second video clip to be output onthe public display 106.

Additional examples of generated gaming content include, but are notlimited to, interactive gaming content generated pursuant to which oneor more individuals viewing the gaming content may provide input inresponse to the content. For example, live feed of a players reaction toa gaming outcome is output on a public display 106, along with a messageasking, “Why is this person so happy?” A series of options such as, “Hejust won 200 credits”, “He got a free drink” or “He just won tickets toCirque Du Soleil,” may be displayed. A benefit may be offered to anyindividual that answers the question correctly.

In another non-limiting example, gaming content may be generated thatalso incorporates a sponsorship advertisement. For example, live videoof a player hitting a jackpot may be framed with text stating, “ThisMagic Moment brought to you by Riverboat Casino!”

In another non-limiting example, gaming content may be generated thatincorporates an avatar associated with a player whose gaming content isto be displayed on a public display 106. The avatar may be generated bythe controller 200 based upon information stored in, for example, playerdatabase 225. The avatar may be entirely animated or may includecaptured imagery or audio of the player such as, for example, aphotograph of the player's face captured by a camera forming a sensorelement 345. For example, a player may interactively specify an avatarof a Duke Blue Devil to be associated with the player's player id. Whenit is determined that a winning outcome of the player is to be displayedon a public display 106, part of the gaming content to be displayed mayconsist of an avatar of a Duke Blue Devil jumping up and down in anexcited manner. In addition, the expression and/or actions of the avatarmay be generated in correspondence to an emotion of the player detected,for example, by a sensor element 345. In an alternative embodiment, theplayer may specify an emotion to be expressed through the avatar.

With reference to FIG. 14, there is illustrated an exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment of a player's display device 335 that may beutilized to generate gaming content as described above. Specifically,there is displayed a video image portion 1410 wherein there is displayeda video image of the player's face such as may be selected as a singleframe from video footage of the player. As illustrated, the image of theplayer is selected from video footage associated with one of a pluralityof video selections 1420. In addition, a plurality of response buttons1430 are provided which allow the player to indicate a preference suchas, for example, paying $5 to replay the magic moment on a publicdisplay 106.

Once a determination has been as to the gaming content to be displayedat steps 420 and 422, the gaming content and the non-gaming mediacontent are combined at step 424.

In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, once identified, the gamingcontent and the non-gaming media content are combined such that thegaming content supersedes the standard video content comprising thenon-gaming media content. Specifically, the gaming content and thenon-gaming media content are combined into a single content, to beoutput to one or more public displays 106, through a casino's SBGnetwork, a closed-circuit television system, and/or other peripheraldevice or communication network capable of transmitting an audio/videosignal. The one or more public displays 106 receiving the audio/videosignal may then output the content for viewing by one or moreindividuals.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more types of video content, such asthe gaming content and the non-gaming media content, are combined usingone or more of the following methods, in order to be output on a publicdisplay 106. In one example, the controller 200 combines multiplesources of media content into a single video output and thencommunicates the single video output to one or more public displays 106.

In another exemplary embodiment, a video output device 108 incommunication with at least one a public display 106 and at least onegaming device 102 comprising a display device 335, may process videocontent from one or more source, into a single video content for displayon the public display 106.

In yet another embodiment, hardware comprising a part of a publicdisplay 106 may process video content from one or more sources into asingle video content for display on the public display 106. For example,a public display 106 may have inputs for one or more audio/video feedsand may be able to simultaneously output the one or more feeds viamethods such as picture-in-picture.

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, different methods ofoutputting one or more types of content are employed. For example, thegaming media content and the non-gaming media content may be displayedconcurrently by utilizing various display methodologies including, butnot limited to, split screen, picture-in-picture (PIP), and ticker.

As a result of employing such methodologies, a portion of the non-gamingmedia content is superseded by gaming media content and, as a result, isobscured from view on the public display 106. For example, a tickercontaining gaming content may cover up the bottom portion of atelevision broadcast. In such a case, a portion of the originalnon-gaming media content is completely hidden from view by the gamingcontent.

With reference to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment of a public display 106 on which is displayedboth non-gaming media content 1020 and gaming content 1010 in a tickerformat.

In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, non-gaming mediacontent that is superseded by gaming content may be resized to avoidobscuring from view any portion of the non-gaming media content. Forexample, in a split screen embodiment, the non-gaming media content maybe resized via interpolation methods to occupy 75% of a public display's106 screen space. The remaining 25% of screen space may be used todisplay gaming content.

With reference to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment of a public display 106 on which is displayedboth non-gaming media content 1120 and gaming content 1110 in a splitscreen format.

In other exemplary embodiments, gaming content and non-gaming mediacontent are displayed serially and, in some instances, one type ofcontent may be output immediately following another type of content. Inone embodiment, a second content may completely preempt or supercede afirst content. For example, gaming content may displace non-gaming mediacontent on a public display 106. In such an instance, non-gaming mediacontent that is preempted by the gaming content is not outputimmediately following the conclusion of the gaming content.

In yet another embodiment, the generation and display of gaming contentat a gaming device 102 may be delayed to facilitate displaying thegaming content on a public display. For example, the controller 200determines that a player of a gaming device 102 is about to receive awinning outcome constituting a triggering event but there is no publicdisplay 106 available to display the player's reaction live. As aresult, the controller 200 lengthens the amount of time each reel spinsat the player's gaming device 102 thus delaying the player's reactionuntil such time as a public display 106 is available to display theplayer's reaction live.

In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a second gamingcontent may preempt or supercede a first non-gaming media content, withthe preempted non-gaming media content being recorded for displayimmediately following the conclusion of the gaming content. For example,a live football game that is being output on a public display 106 ispaused during the display of a potential jackpot gaming outcome. Oncethe gaming outcome has been resolved and displayed, output of thefootball game on the public display 106 resumes at the point where itwas paused.

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, different portions of apublic display 106 may simultaneously display a plurality of gamingcontents each associated with a different player wherein the gamingactivities of each player are not associated with those of the otherplayers. In such an embodiment, the size, shape and/or configurations ofportions of the public display 106 associated with each individualplayer may be adjusted as the gaming content associated with new playersis added or the gaming content associated with an existing player isdropped from the public display 106. For example, a public display 106displays the gaming content of four players in four distinct portions ofthe public display 106 and, when another player's gaming content isadded, the public display 106 is reconfigured to display five distinctportions each displaying the gaming content of a single player.

Once the non-gaming media content and the gaming content have been mixedor otherwise combined as described above with reference to step 424, thegame content is transmitted to the public display at step 426.

In accordance with various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, thetransmission of content to one or more public displays 106 may beaccomplished using one or more of the following methods: (1) via acommunications network such as a casino's SBG system, (2) via aclosed-circuit television network, (3) via a peripheral device such as awireless audio/video transmitter/receiver pair, (4) transmitted througha television network. (e.g., Cable television network, UHF/VHFtransmission, and (5) transmitted over an internet connection.

Once the game content has been transmitted to the public display at step426, the public display 106 may resume the display of non-gaming mediacontent as indicated at step 428.

In addition to the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments describedabove, other methods of acquiring gaming content for display on a publicgaming device 102 may be employed that do not require a player requestfor gaming content to be displayed. In such embodiments, a player nolonger needs to request the use of a public display in order to have thedisplay output gaming content associated with their gaming session.Instead, gaming content may be selected from around the casino foroutput on a public display 106.

In one exemplary embodiment, gaming content is automatically pulled. Thepulled gaming content may be chosen at random, or may be based on one ormore factors relating to game play such as wager size, odds of a playerwinning a large payout, or a player's reactions to game play. Playersthat do not want all or parts of their gaming content output on a publicdisplay may choose to opt out and any time during a gaming session suchas by, for example, communicating with the controller 200 via the gamingdevice 102.

In another exemplary embodiment, gaming content can be manuallyselected. In one embodiment, a human agent (e.g. a casino employee) mayutilize a device, such as a computer in communication with thecontroller 200, to view real time information pertaining to players ofgaming devices 102 on a casino floor. The information may include any ofthe game or player related information described herein (e.g. whole orpartial outcomes, audio and/or video of players, etc.). The human agentmay select certain individuals or game instances to be potentially shownon a public display 106. Selection may occur through the pressing of abutton or any other enabled mode of entering data. Once one or moreindividuals or instances are selected, a message may be transmitted tothe one or more gaming device(s) 102 associated with the one or moreindividuals or instances such as via the controller 200. The message mayseek the player's approval to show the gaming content on a publicdisplay 106 and may be displayed, for example, on display device 335.For example, a message may read, “That was a pretty sophisticatedstrategy. Mind if we show a replay of your game at the hotel bar?” Theplayer may then indicate if he approves or disapproves, and accordinglythe gaming content associated with the game play information may bedisplayed or not.

In yet another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, an individual thatis currently watching, or intends to watch a specific public display 106at a casino or other locale, may vote on what should be output by thepublic display 106. Each individual or player may each be allowed tocast single vote. As an alternative, more than one vote per individualmay be allowed based on information relating to that individual orplayer. For example a patron at a casino bar may receive one vote forevery drink he has ordered since arriving at the bar, whereas a playerof a wireless gaming device 102 may receive one vote for every $5 he haslost since arriving at the bar. The number of votes an individual isallowed to cast may be based on information such as, revenue generatedfrom the individual, a players' status in a casino's comp program, orfuture commitments the individual may have made. Once the votes aretallied, the winning content may be output on the public display 106.Votes may be done on a recurring basis after a specific time period haspassed, or after the outputted content has concluded (E.g., a vote takesplace after an episode of Seinfeld has concluded). Votes may be cast viaan electronic device, such as a wireless gaming device 102, cellulartelephone or PDA. Votes may be received and tallied by a centralcontroller 200 that in turn may cause the content that receives the mostnumber of votes to supersede the current content being output on thepublic display 106. As an alternative, it may convenient to vote using asimple show of hands in a case where each individual only receives asingle vote. A casino employee may then tally the votes and cause theproper content to be output on the public display 106.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming system comprising: atleast one gaming device including: at least one input device, at leastone gaming device display device, at least one processor, and at leastone memory device which stores a plurality of instructions, which whenexecuted by the at least one processor, causes the at least oneprocessor to operate with the at least one input device and the at leastone gaming device display device to, for each play of a game: (a)generate a game outcome, (b) display the generated game outcome, (c)determine any award associated with the generated game outcome, and (d)display any determined award; at least one public display device, eachpublic display device being separate from each of the gaming devicedisplay devices; and at least one controller configured to communicatewith the at least one gaming device and the at least one public displaydevice, said at least one controller programmed, for a play of the game,to: (i) determine if a public display condition is satisfied, (ii) ifthe public display condition is satisfied, causing the at least onepublic display device to display, in real-time, at least one of: (A) thegenerated game outcome displayed by the at least gaming device displaydevice of said gaming device associated with the satisfaction of thepublic display condition, and (B) any determined award displayed by theat least gaming device display device of said gaming device associatedwith the satisfaction of the public display condition, and (iii) if thepublic display condition is not satisfied, causing the at least onepublic display device to not display, in real-time, any of: (A) thegenerated game outcome displayed for the play of the game, and (B) anydetermined award displayed for the play of the game.
 2. The gamingsystem of claim 1, which includes a plurality of public display devices,wherein if the public display condition is satisfied, the at least onecontroller is programmed to enable a player to select at least one ofthe public display devices to display, in real-time, at least one of:(A) the generated game outcome displayed by the at least gaming devicedisplay device of said gaming device associated with the satisfaction ofthe public display condition, and (B) any determined award displayed bythe at least gaming device display device of said gaming deviceassociated with the satisfaction of the public display condition.
 3. Thegaming system of claim 1, wherein the public display condition issatisfied for the play of the game if a designated partial game outcomeis generated.
 4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the publicdisplay condition is satisfied for the play of the game if a player hasmet at least one eligibility criteria.
 5. A method of operating a gamingsystem, said method comprising: (a) for each play of a game: (i) causingat least one processor to execute a plurality of instructions togenerate a game outcome, (ii) causing at least one gaming device displaydevice to display the generated game outcome, (iii) causing the at leastone processor to execute the plurality of instructions to determine anyaward associated with the generated game outcome, and (iv) causing theat least one gaming device display device to display any determinedaward; and (b) for a play of the game: (i) causing at least onecontroller to execute a plurality of instructions to determine if apublic display condition is satisfied, (ii) if the public displaycondition is satisfied, causing at least one public display device todisplay, in real-time, at least one of: (A) the generated game outcomedisplayed by the at least gaming device display device, and (B) anydetermined award displayed by the at least gaming device display device,and (iii) if the public display condition is not satisfied, causing theat least one public display device to not display, in real-time, any of:(A) the generated game outcome displayed for the play of the game, and(B) an determined award displayed for the play of the game.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, which includes, if the public display condition issatisfied, enabling a player to select at least one of a plurality ofpublic display devices to display, in real-time, at least one of: (i)the generated game outcome displayed by the at least gaming devicedisplay device, and (ii) any determined award displayed by the at leastgaming device display device.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein thepublic display condition is satisfied for the play of the game if adesignated partial game outcome is generated.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the public display condition is satisfied for the play of thegame if a player has met at least one eligibility criteria.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, which includes, if the public display condition issatisfied, causing the at least one controller to execute the pluralityof instructions to determine a percentage of the at least one publicdisplay device to display, in real-time, at least one of: (i) thegenerated game outcome displayed by the at least gaming device displaydevice, and (ii) any determined award displayed by the at least gamingdevice display device.
 10. The method of claim 5, which includes, if thepublic display condition is satisfied, causing the at least onecontroller to execute the plurality of instructions to display at leastone avatar associated with a player.
 11. The method of claim 5, which isprovided through a data network.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thedata network is an internet.
 13. A non-transitory computer readablemedium including a plurality of instructions, which when executed by atleast one processor, cause the at least one processor to: (a) for eachplay of a game: (i) generate a game outcome, (ii) cause at least onegaming device display device to display the generated game outcome,(iii) determine any award associated with the generated game outcome,and (iv) cause the at least one gaming device display device to displayany determined award; and (b) for a play of the game: (i) determine if apublic display condition is satisfied in association with any of theplays of the games, (ii) if the public display condition is satisfied,causing at least one public display device to display, in real-time, atleast one of: (A) the generated game outcome displayed by the at leastgaming device display device, and (B) any determined award displayed bythe at least gaming device display device, and (iii) if the publicdisplay condition is not satisfied, causing the at least one publicdisplay device to not display, in real-time an of: (A) the generatedgame outcome displayed for the play of the game, and (B) any determinedaward displayed for the play of the game.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 13, wherein when executed by the atleast one processor if the public display condition is satisfied, theplurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to enable aplayer to select at least one of the public display devices to display,in real-time, at least one of: (i) the generated game outcome displayedby the at least gaming device display device, and (ii) any determinedaward displayed by the at least gaming device display device.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the publicdisplay condition is satisfied for the play of the game if a designatedpartial game outcome is generated.
 16. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 13, wherein the public display condition issatisfied for the play of the game if a player has met at least oneeligibility criteria.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 13, wherein when executed by the at least one processor if thepublic display condition is satisfied, the plurality of instructionscause the at least one processor to determine a percentage of the atleast one public display device to display, in real-time, at least oneof: (i) the generated game outcome displayed by the at least gamingdevice display device, and (ii) any determined award displayed by the atleast gaming device display device.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 13, wherein when executed by the at least oneprocessor if the public display condition is satisfied, the plurality ofinstructions cause the at least one processor to display at least oneavatar associated with a player of a gaming device associated with thesatisfaction of the public display condition.
 19. A gaming systemcomprising: at least one gaming device including: at least one inputdevice, at least one gaming device display device, at least oneprocessor, and at least one memory device which stores a plurality ofinstructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, causesthe at least one processor to operate with the at least one input deviceand the at least one gaming device display device to, for each play of agame: (a) generate a game outcome, (b) display the generated gameoutcome, (c) determine any award associated with the generated gameoutcome, and (d) display any determined award; at least one publicdisplay device, each public display device being separate from each ofthe gaming device display devices; and at least one controllerconfigured to communicate with the at least one gaming device and the atleast one public display device, said at least one controller programmedto: (i) determine if a public display condition is satisfied inassociation with any of the games of any of the at least one gamingdevice, and (ii) if the public display condition is satisfied: (A)determine a percentage of the at least one public display device, and(B) causing the determined percentage of the at least one public displaydevice to display, in real-time, at least one of: (I) the generated gameoutcome displayed by the at least gaming device display device of saidgaming device associated with the satisfaction of the public displaycondition, and (II) any determined award displayed by the at leastgaming device display device of said gaming device associated with thesatisfaction of the public display condition.
 20. A gaming systemcomprising: at least one gaming device including: at least one inputdevice, at least one gaming device display device, at least oneprocessor, and at least one memory device which stores a plurality ofinstructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, causesthe at least one processor to operate with the at least one input deviceand the at least one gaming device display device to, for each play of agame: (a) generate a game outcome, (b) display the generated gameoutcome, (c) determine any award associated with the generated gameoutcome, and (d) display any determined award; at least one publicdisplay device, each public display device being separate from each ofthe gaming device display devices; and at least one controllerconfigured to communicate with the at least one gaming device and the atleast one public display device, said at least one controller programmedto: (i) determine if a public display condition is satisfied inassociation with any of the games of any of the at least one gamingdevice, and (ii) if the public display condition is satisfied: (A)display at least one avatar associated with a player of the gamingdevice associated with the satisfaction of the public display condition,and (B) causing the at least one public display device to display, inreal-time, at least one of: (I) the generated game outcome displayed bythe at least gaming device display device of said gaming deviceassociated with the satisfaction of the public display condition, and(II) any determined award displayed by the at least gaming devicedisplay device of said gaming device associated with the satisfaction ofthe public display condition.